vicks vapour rub on bub?

[Stevie]

is it ok to use it on my 4mo DD?
its all i have in the house and if i can get away with not having to go out and buy another one i will lol.
would i just not put as much on?
TIA ladies

[Shanti]

I wouldn't. It's not recommended for babies until the age of 2 I think it is? I remember when DD was sick at that age wanting to use it as she was so clogged up but the chemist said no. Not sure if it's because the vapours are so strong but also it could get in her eyes and would really sting!!

Have you got nasal spray like "Fess" for her? Hope she's better soon. Lots of mummy cuddles she needs. xx

[butterfly_warrior]

We used vicks baby balsam on Sam when he was sick just recently - seemed mild enough not to bother him and did help clear him up quicker. Other than that, I'd just stick with fess.

BW

[~Kim~]

I wouldn't use the adult one either - the vapours would burn her eyes and nasal passages.

[ss_storm]

Nup..my jar says not to use on kids under 2. There is a baby one, but i don't know what the age limit on that is, i don't think you would be able to use it on a 4 month old though.

[alicia]

When DD was really little we were told to use the baby vicks but put it on a bib tied to the side of the cot rather than on her, it seemed to work.

[~Kim~]

hmmm good tip alicia, will have to remember that

[Stevie]

Thanks ladies

i use the fess stuff, she's not a huge fan but it seems to work ok.
She;s just got a bit of a cough and when she gets up in the morning has a blocked nose.
If its any worse tomorrow i will be taking her to the drs anyway.

Thanks again xx

[Fuzzywuzzy]

We've used eucalyptus oil on a tissue or hankie in the room to help clear up DD's blocked nose, does the same job as vicks

[cheekyfrog]

I wouldn't use Vicks as research now says that it promotes mucus production which then blocks bub's airways and can cause severe respiratory distress.

The lead doctor for this study (Dr. Bruce Rubin), was quoted as saying: "Infants and young children have airways that are much narrower than those of adults, so any increase in mucus or inflammation can narrow them more severely." The end result of using something like Vicks Vapo Rub, is that the brain is tricked into thinking that the airway is clear by some of the ingredients sent up into the system. The doctors note that the menthol in the Vicks Vapo Rub is one of the key ingredients that does this, stating that "Vicks may make you feel better but it can't help you breathe better."

Best treatment is saline spray, gentle use of one of those sucker aspirators and time.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Do you have Karvol in Australia? Just put some of that on a muslin, then tie that to the cot. It's a miracle worker.

[JellyBean]

2 drops of Eucalyptus oil in a warm bath works wonders. Anymore than this will be too strong. Make sure you buy it from a health food store so you know thats its 100% pure. There are quite a few questionable ingredients in Vicks - as there are in most phamaceutical preparations unfortunately. Our local health food store sell a natural alternative to vicks called Breathe Easy Chest Rub by a brand called Tinderbox. A simple saline solution nasal spray may help with congestion.

There isn't really anything you can give them pharmaceutical-wise at this age as its much too strong. Its likely the doc will tell you to keep her warm, well hydrated and give her extra sleeping time. So unless you are really worried about her I would save your $$!
It sucks when they are sick at this age- but giving their body the right conditions to heal itself is really all that you can do. It may sound cruel but getting sick is the only way their fragile little immune systems can develop and grow in strength. Next time she comes into contact with that particular virus strain or pathogen, she will have developed antibodies (immunity) to it.
Hope she feels better soon.

XX